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Hendricks Chapel offers Malmgren concerts, Holidays at Hendricks, prayer services, and more! Periodic emails and mailings are sent to inform our community about upcoming events and news. You can sign up easily and unsubscribe at any time!
The Spelman College Glee Club is the oldest collegiate choir of African American women in the United States.
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Program: 3:00 PM
Pre-Event Luncheon: 12:30-2:30 PM
There is no fee to attend the program or lunch. All are welcome. Attendance Capacity: 1,000 with overflow seating available outdoors
As the grand finale of the Syracuse International Jazz Fest in 2025, Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University will once again host “Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service,” featuring performances by The Spelman College Glee Club, The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble (BCCE) of Syracuse University, and a community choir comprised of Syracuse-area residents.
This exciting program, which delighted nearly 600 patrons in 2024, will offer a dynamic and inclusive spiritual experience that fuses and celebrates Gospel and Jazz music, includes a pre-event welcome luncheon, and seeks to spark and sustain renewal in our local community and beyond. The program and luncheon are both free of charge and open to all.
No registration is necessary however, you may join the Facebook event to receive reminders.
RAIN AND INCLEMENT WEATHER
This event will be held rain or shine! For the luncheon, large event tents will protect everyone from the rain. In the event of inclement weather, attendees will be directed to a safe location.
Overflow Viewing
If we reach capacity (1,000 attendees), overflow viewing of the event will be available in the large event tents. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor viewers will be directed to a safe location.
Join the Community Chorus:
All interested in participating in the community choir may contact Cora Thomas at cathomas@syr.edu or Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu or 315.443.2901.
Parking:
Free parking will be available in the Irving Garage and the Raynor Lot.
Shuttles will start running from the Irving Garage and the Raynor Lot beginning at 11 AM.
For parking maps, visit: https://parking.syr.edu/visitors-to-campus/lot-directions-and-maps/
Accessibility:
For accessible parking, please call Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or email chapel@syr.edu.
CART, ASL and Aira will be offered at this event.
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is the instant translation of the spoken word into English text using a stenotype machine, notebook computer and real-time software. This is useful for English speakers who are hard of hearing or deaf.
An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter translates a service or program for those who know ASL and are deaf or hard of hearing.
Aira is a visual interpreting service that makes visual information accessible for people who are blind or have low vision, or for any person with a disability who may benefit from verbal descriptions of visual information. Syracuse University is a proud Aira Access Partner. SU makes Aira visual interpreting services available to our community of students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and visitors on campus at no cost. Interpreters audibly describe a person’s visual surroundings via a live professionally-trained agent and the Aira Explorer mobile app.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Spelman College Glee Club stands as the oldest collegiate choir of African American women in the United States. Since 1924, the ensemble has served as Spelman’s premier performance organization, representing the college with excellence through a wide-ranging repertoire of classical masterworks, Negro spirituals, world folk music, and commissioned works by African American composers. Under the leadership of Dr. Kevin P. Johnson since 1999, the Glee Club has achieved national and international acclaim, performing at the White House, Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and across Europe. With the motto ‘to amaze and inspire,’ the Spelman College Glee Club continues to uplift audiences with artistry rooted in tradition and shaped by innovation.
Dr. Johnson, the Glee Club director, is a composer, conductor, and educator whose work lies at the vibrant intersection of music, culture, and spirituality. He is associate professor of music at Spelman College leading the ensemble through a century of musical excellence and into a bold future. A Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting, Dr. Johnson’s compositions—including seven complete mass settings and over 300 psalm arrangements—are sung across the United States, especially in Black Catholic communities. His recent works include Hip-Hop Mass, commissioned by the Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, and Music Everywhere Chorus America. Johnson is also director of music at the Lyke House Catholic Center and founder of Lion and Lamb Publishing.
Founded in 1977 by Rev. Dr. Seretta C. McKnight to provide a spiritual home for Black students at Syracuse University, the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble (BCCE) ministers through Gospel music that fosters and supports academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. Led by student director Joshua Garvin ’25 and supported through The Alumni Group (TAG) of the BCEE, the choir has performed at numerous venues throughout North America, including the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA), the spiritual home of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and currently led by Rev. Dr. Senator Raphael Warnock.
To honor the Sunday Gospel Jazz Service theme of “Return to Community,” a diverse community choir composed of Syracuse area residents will once again be led by Cora Thomas, known locally as “Syracuse’s First Lady of Gospel Music.” Born and raised in Syracuse, Thomas serves on numerous community organizations and hosts “Sunday Morning Gospel” on WAER 88.3 of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. All interested in participating in the community choir may contact Cora Thomas at cathomas@syr.edu or Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu or 315.443.2901.
To express the Sunday Gospel Jazz Service theme of “Return to Community,” a pre-event outdoor welcome luncheon, featuring free food and refreshments, will take place on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle of Syracuse University from 12:30 PM-2:30 PM. At 2:30 PM, the first 1,000 guests will be ushered into Hendricks Chapel for the 3:00 PM Sunday Gospel Jazz Service start time.
For additional information on the 2025 Syracuse International Jazz Fest, please visit syracusejazzfest.com.
If students require emergency support concerning food insecurity, please contact Alison Murray, assistant dean for student assistance, at acmurray@syr.edu
MAIN PANTRY (lower level of Hendricks Chapel)
Summer hours from May 27-August 15, 2025.
Tuesdays 10 AM-12 PM
Fridays 10 AM-12 PM
SOUTH CAMPUS PANTRY (Carriage House, 161 Farm Acre Rd.)
Summer hours from May 28-August 20, 2025.
Wednesdays
1-3 PM
Parking is available outside the Carriage House or visit the Campus Shuttle schedule for other transportation options.
If students require further support concerning food insecurity, please contact our office at chapel@syr.edu.
Additional Syracuse-Area Food Pantries
Click HERE to find more food pantries in the Syracuse area.
Register with New York State’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Click HERE for eligibility information on SNAP.
Click HERE to register for SNAP.
Students do not need to be U.S. citizens to be eligible.
Connect with 211
211 is a free service that connects callers to critical health and human services in their community. For help with addiction, mental health, housing, legal matters, and more, 211 is a great support. Dial 2-1-1 on your phone or click HERE for information.
Transportation to Grocery Stores from the Student Association
Sometimes transportation to the grocery store is a barrier to getting quality food items. SU’s Student Association can help! Student Association is proud to announce free trolleys to nearby grocery stores every Sunday this semester. The trolley will continuously shuttle students from the College Place stop to the grocery store from 11 AM – 5 PM on each of the dates listed below. The trolley leaves on the hour beginning at 11 AM and picks up from the grocery store 30 minutes after the hour. The final pick-up time is always 4:30 PM. To find out more, visit this link!
Hendricks Chapel relies on generous donations from the Syracuse University community to stock the food pantry. Ways to support the food pantry include:
We appreciate your support!
November 23 — Photo Gallery: The Dedication of the Coach Mac Food Pantry at Hendricks Chapel
August 30 — Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry to be Named in Honor of Coach Dick MacPherson on Nov. 23
December 2022 — Syracuse University food pantries fight hunger and stigma on campus
September 2022 — SU garden brings national attention to Indigenous agriculture
November 2021 — Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry Fights Food Insecurity (Citrus TV)
October 2021 — Hendricks Chapel Expands Access to Food Pantry
April 2021 — Syracuse University addresses food insecurity on campus
March 2021 — ‘Cuse Food Funder raises over $7,000 for Hendricks Chapel’s food pantries
August 2020 — Fresh Produce from Pete’s Giving Garden Now Available in Campus Food Pantries
July 2019 — Garden Planted to Provide Fresh Vegetables for Campus Food Pantry
February 2014 — Hendricks food pantry serves hungry students
The Coach Mac Food Pantry was started by chapel staff member, Ginny Yerdon, in the fall semester of 2013. Yerdon began the pantry when she and staff members realized the growing amount of students experiencing food insecurity. At its inception nearly 10 years ago, the pantry received 3 or 4 student patrons weekly. Now, the pantry receives anywhere from 100-250 student visitors per week.
There are currently two food pantries on campus, one is located directly across from the dean’s suite in the chapel and the other is on South Campus. Both pantries rely on monetary and food donations. Monetary donations are used to buy fresh produce, protein bars, soups, pasta, snacks, and personal hygiene items.
Pete’s Giving Garden was started in June of 2021 and is a collaboration between the Office of Engagement Programs, Energy Systems and Sustainability Management, the Food Studies Program at Falk College, and Physical Plant. The garden provides some produce to the pantries and has been highlighted for the planting of the Three Sisters and celebrating Indigenous agriculture. It is named after SU’s vice president & chief facilities officer, Pete Sala.
The pantry is intended to directly serve individuals who experience hunger, food insecurity, and a lack of resources. We also seek to support students by connecting pantry visitors with guidance and resources that can create sustainable solutions in response to their needs. We believe students should not have to choose between spending on food or other essential expenses. We want all students to succeed at Syracuse University. The Coach Mac Food Pantry is stocked with food and personal care items, available at no cost to all students with valid Syracuse University or SUNY ESF ID.
Hendricks Chapel programs reach across disciplines to encourage critical thinking about the religious, moral, and ethical issues of our time, creating soulful citizens prepared to grapple with the human complexity of modern decision-making.
People’s Place Café, located on the lower level of Hendricks Chapel, is a student-run, nonprofit coffee shop offering great food, great prices, and a cool atmosphere.
Offerings include bagels and other baked goods, including vegan options, as well as fruits, soda, milk, hot chocolate, tea, and fair trade coffee.
Follow the café on Instagram @peoplesplacesu to be the first to know of specials, featured drinks, and more!
Academic Year Hours
Sunday
10 AM – 4 PM
Monday – Thursday
8 AM – 5 PM
Friday
8 AM – 4 PM
Instagram @peoplesplacesu
Office 315.443.2901
*Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date.
1-3 Shavuot Jewish: Festival of receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai (begins at sundown evening prior)
5 Day of Arafat* Islam: Day of assembly on the plain of Arafah in Hajj. Optional day of fasting for nonpilgrims
6 Eid al Adha* Islam: Celebration honoring the spiritual sacrifice of his son by prophet Abraham
8 Pentecost Christian: Celebration of the descent of Holy Spirit upon followers of Christ
15 Trinity Sunday Christian: Honors the belief in one God with a threefold nature
19 Juneteenth: Commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, when those enslaved in Texas were notified of their liberty.
20 Litha Wiccan/Neo-Pagan: Summer solstice, summer is at its height and the sun shines the longest. Celebration of the life-giving power of the sun.
26 Al-Hijra New Year* Islam: The first day of the Islamic New Year or the Hijri New Year. The epoch of the Islamic era was set as the year of emigration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, known as Hijrah, which equates to 622 CE.
5 Day of Ashura* Islam: Commemoration of Prophet Moses delivering his people from Pharaoh (a day of optional fasting accompanied with a day of fasting before and/or after) and of trials endured by leaders among Prophet Muhammad’s family.
9 Martyrdom of the Báb Bahá’í: The Báb, forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, was publicly executed for announcing the nearing arrival of the Promised One and the prophesied dawn of a new day
13 Fast of Tammuz Jewish: Fast commemorating breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple (begins at dawn and ends at nightfall)
1 Lughnasadh Wiccan/Neo-Pagan: Midpoint between solstice and equinox, marking the start of the harvest season. Celebration of the abundance and thriving natural world. A time to pause and celebrate all the effort put into where we are now, while also acknowledging there is more work ahead.
3 Tisha B’Av Jewish: Day of fasting and mourning for tragedies across Jewish history, most particularly the destruction and loss of the first and second Temple and Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago. (begins sundown the evening before)
9 Tu B’Av Jewish: Jewish holiday of love (begins sundown the evening before)
9 Raksha Bandhan* Hindu: Festival honoring family ties between brothers and sisters
13-15 Obon* Buddhist/Shinto: Japanese Buddhist festival to honor ancestors
15 Assumption of Mary Christian: Celebration of assumption of Mary into heaven. Holy day of obligation for Catholics.
16-17 Krishna Janmashtami Hindu: Festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu. He exhorted the epic poem “Gita” to Arjun.
21 Paryushana Parva Jain: Eight-day Jain festival of devotion
27 Ganesh Chaturthi* Hindu: Festival honoring Lord Ganesh
5 Mawlid al-Nabi* Islam: The day that commemorates the birth of the last Prophet of Islam, Muhammad c.570 CE (begins at sundown evening prior)
13 Leil S’lichot Jewish: Prayers for forgiveness in preparation for High Holy Days (after nightfall)
14 Feast of the Holy Cross Orthodox Christian: Eastern Orthodox feast of the Holy Cross
21 Birth of Confucius: Observed in religious traditions emanating from China
22 Mabon Wiccan/Neo-Pagan: Autumn equinox, time for celebrating abundance, wealth, and generosity. A time to revisit goals and accomplishments and begin preparing for winter
22 Navaratri* Hindu: Nine-night festival worshiping different forms of the Goddess Shakti.
23 Rosh Hashanah Jewish: New Year and beginning of High Holy Days (begins on evening prior)
24 2nd Day of Rosh Hashanah Jewish: Rosh Hashanah ends at sundown
25 Fast of Gedaliah Jewish: Day of fasting marking the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor of Judea, following the Babylonian conquest (begins at dawn and ends at nightfall)
2 Yom Kippur Jewish: Day of Atonement, observed with fasting (begins at sundown evening prior)
2 Dussehra Hindu: Celebration of the victory of Lord Rama over demon Ravan, also known as Vijayadashami
6-13 Sukkot Jewish: Festival of Booths (begins at sundown)
13 Indigenous Peoples Day: Interfaith celebration of the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples of Western hemisphere
14 Shemini Atzeret Jewish: Festival connected to the eighth day of Sukkot (begins at sundown evening prior)
15 Simchat Torah Jewish: Day of rejoicing to celebrate the yearly completion of reading the whole Torah (begins at sundown evening prior)
20 Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth Sahib Sikh: Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib. Recognition of Sikh sacred writings as the final, eternal guru.
20 Diwali (Deepavali)* Hindu — Jain — Sikh: The main day of the five-day festival of lights, a celebration of light over darkness, new beginnings and triumph of goodness.
21 Jain New Year Jain: Celebration of the New Year
22 Birth of the Báb Bahá’í: Celebrates the birth of one of the founders of the Bahá’í faith
31 Samhain Wiccan/Neo-Pagan: Midpoint between equinox and solstice, a time for inner reflection, honoring ancestors, as well as observing nature’s descent into the dark winter season.
31 All Hallows Eve Christian: Celebration derived from Celtic Samhain, beginning two-day remembrance of the Dead
1 All Saints Day Christian: Celebration of lives of the saints; holy day of obligation for Catholics
2 All Souls Day Christian: Celebration of lives of the saints
3 Birth of Bahá’u’lláh Bahá’í: Commemoration of the birth of Bahá’u’láh (translated ‘Glory of God’), the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í faith
5 Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Sikh: Birth of the founder and first guru of the Sikh faith
12 Bandi Chhor Diwas Sikh: Celebration of the release of Guru Hargobind from wrongful imprisonment
23 Christ the King Christian: Festival celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church in honor of Jesus Christ as Lord over all creation
24 Day of the Covenant Bahá’í: The day when Bahá’ís celebrate the appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant.
28 Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Bahá’í: Commemoration of the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who died on Nov. 28, 1921
1 Advent Season Begins Christian
1-7 Chalica Unitarian: Chalica is a week-long celebration of our Unitarian Universalist Principles. Chalica begins on the first Monday in December and lasts seven days. Each day, a chalice is lit and the day is spent reflecting on the meaning of that day’s principle and doing a good deed that honors that principle.
6 Saint Nicholas Day Christian: Feast day honoring the first-century Christian bishop known for generosity, miracles and intercessions.
6 Saint Nicholas Day Orthodox Christian (O.C.): Feast day honoring the first-century Christian bishop known for generosity, miracles and intercessions.
6 Immaculate Conception of Mary Christian: Catholic day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life. Holy day of obligation.
8 Bodhi Day Buddhist: Celebration of the beginning of the path to enlightenment of the Buddha.
12 Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe Christian: Catholic celebration of Mary as patron saint of The Americas.
15-22 Chanukah Jewish: The Jewish festival of dedication (begins at sundown)
16-24 Posadas Navideñas Christian: Mexican Catholic reenactment of journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem
21 Pan Am 103 Memorial Interfaith: Syracuse University service and vigil honoring and remembering the victims of Pan Am Flight 103.
21 Yule Pagan: Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. An observance of the return of the Sun, making daylight hours longer from this day until June.
23 Human Light: Secular celebration of humanist vision of peace and goodwill among all
24 Christmas Eve Christian: Eve of traditional Western date observing the birth of Christ in a 12-day festival lasting until Epiphany
25 Christmas Christian: Traditional Western date observing the birth of Christ in a 12-day festival lasting until Epiphany
26 Zarathosht Diso* Zoroastrian: Death of founding prophet Zarathushtra
26-Jan. 1 Kwanzaa: Weeklong celebration of African American life and cultural heritage
30 Fast of Tevet Jewish: Day of mourning and repentance marking the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem. In recent years, it also is a day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust.
30 Feast of the Holy Family Christian: Catholic celebration of the love between the family of Jesus
31 Watch Night Christian: Ritual service of preparation for the year to come
1 Kwanzaa ends.
1 Mary, Mother of God Christian: Catholic day of prayer and thanksgiving to Mary, mother of Jesus
1 Gantan-sai Shinto: New Year festival, also known as Shogatsu
6 Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Sikh: Celebration of the birth of the final human guru of the Sikh faith
6 Epiphany Christian: Festival celebrating the revelation of God in Jesus and the visit of the sages to the Christ child.
7 Feast of the Nativity Orthodox Christian (O.C.): Traditional celebration of Christmas for Eastern Orthodox Christians
12 Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christian: Commemoration of the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus
14 Maghi Sikh: Commemoration of the 40 martyrs (Chalis Mukte) who died fighting the Mughal army with Guru Gobind Singh in 1705 CE
14 Makar Sankranti Hindu: Festival honoring the Sun, the main source of energy to our planet
16 Lailat al Miraj* Islam: Al Isra wal Miraj, or the Night Journey and Ascension marks the miraculous journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in 621 CE, from Makkah to Jeruslaem and ascension to the heavens and back in a single night.
18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Christian: Seven days of ecumenical prayer
23 Vasant Panchami* Hindu: Festival honoring Saraswati, goddess of learning, wisdom, music and art.
29 Lunar New Year: Celebration of the first new moon of the lunar calendar
1 Imbolc Wiccan/Neo-Pagan: Midpoint between solstice and equinox. Celebration of new beginnings and the first signs of spring stirring.
2 Candlemas Christian: Celebration of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. New beginnings are recognized.
2 Tu BiShvat Jewish: Celebration of the New Year of the Trees (begins at sundown evening prior)
2 Lailat al Bara’ah* Islam: Optional night of prayer (begins at sundown)
2 Four Chaplains Interfaith Sunday Interfaith: Commemoration of the event in World War II when four Chaplains of Jewish and Christian traditions (Catholic and Protestant) gave their life jackets to others as a troop ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean.
3 Setsebun-sai Shinto: Celebration of the approach of spring as an invitation to good fortune.
14 St. Valentine’s Day Christian: Festival of love loosely connected to Christian saint
15 Nirvana Day* Buddhist – Jain: Commemoration of passing into Nirvana of the Buddha
16 Maha Shivaratri* Hindu: Festival in honor of Lord Shiva
17 Chinese New Year Chinese Traditional: Beginning of the Chinese celebration of a new year for people of all religions
17 Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras Christian: Day of preparation for Lent, observed by feasting and carnival activities
18 Ramadan* Islam: Ramadan begins. Holy month of daily fasting (from dawn to sunset) and nightly prayers (begins at sundown evening prior)
18 Ash Wednesday Christian: First of 40 days of Western Christian penitential observance of Lent
22 Forgiveness Sunday Orthodox Christian: Day of preparation for Lent, also known as Cheesefare Sunday
23 Orthodox First Day of Lent Orthodox Christian: Start of the 40-day fast before Pascha (Easter)
23 Clean Monday Orthodox Christian: First day of Lent
25-28 Ayyám-i-Há Bahá’í: Intercalary Days is a period dedicated to socializing, being hospitable, giving generously to the poor and needy, and preparing for the upcoming month of fasting.
28 Bahá’í Fast Bahá’í: Abstain from food and drinks between sunrise and sunset
1 Orthodox Sunday Orthodox Christian: First Sunday of Lent. Restoration of icons to the church is celebrated.
2 Ta’anit Esther Jewish: Fast of Esther: Jewish fast from dawn until dusk on Purim eve, commemorating the three-day fast observed by the Jewish people in the story of Purim (begins at dawn and ends at nightfall)
3 Magha Puja Day* Buddhist: Commemoration of the presentation of Buddha to the world
3 Purim Jewish: Holiday marking deliverance from Haman’s genocidal plot against Jewish people in ancient Persia as related in Book of Esther (begins at sundown evening prior).
4 Holi* Hindu: Colorful festival of spring
9 Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Destiny)* Islam: Commemoration of the Holy Night in Ramadan when the Qur’an was revealed (begins at sundown). It can fall on any of the last ten odd nights of Ramadan.
15 27th Night of Ramadan Islam
17 St. Patrick’s Day Christian: Celebration of St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland
19-27 Chaitra Navaratri Hindu: Nine-day festival that signifies the victory of good over evil.
19 St. Joseph’s Day Christian: Celebration of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus
20 Eid al Fitr* Islam: Celebration showing gratitude for a successful completion of fasting in the Holy month of Ramadan (begins at sundown evening prior). The day begins with a distribution of charity to the needy the night before, followed by morning prayer services the next day and gatherings with family, friends and relatives.
20 Hola Mohalla Sikh: Begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar and follows the Hindu festival of colors, Holi
20 Ostara Wiccan/Neo-Pagan: Celebration for the return of life after the cold of winter
21 Naw Ruz Bahá’í: New Year
25 Feast of the Annunciation Christian: Commemorates the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary
26 Ramanavami* Hindu: Celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, seventh incarnation of Vishnu
29 Palm Sunday Christian: Beginning of Western Christian Holy Week, also known as Palm Sunday of the Passion.
1 Hanuman Jayanti* Hindu: Festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Sri Hanuman
1-9 Passover Jewish: Eight-day commemoration of freedom of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. (Begins with First Night Seder sundown 4/1. Second Seder sundown 4/2. Holiday concludes with two final days, sundown 4/8 – nightfall 4/9).
2 Maundy Thursday Christian: Remembrance of Christ’s last supper, first day of the Sacred Triduum
3 Good Friday Christian: Remembrance of the crucifixion and death of Christ, second day of the Sacred Triduum
4 Holy Saturday Christian: Day of vigil culminating in observance of the resurrection of Christ, third day of the Sacred Triduum
4 Lazarus Saturday Orthodox Christian: Feast commemorating the raising of Lazarus by Jesus Christ
5 Easter Sunday Christian: Feast of the resurrection of Christ
6 Mahavir Jayanti* Jain: Birth of founder Mahavira 540 BCE.
8 Buddha’s Birthday* Buddhist: Celebrates the Birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as Vesak
10 Holy Friday Orthodox Christian: Anniversary of the death of Christ, as commemorated by Orthodox Christians
12 Pascha (Easter) Orthodox Christian: Celebration of the resurrection of Christ, beginning at midnight
13 Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) Sikh: Honors the day in 1699 that Guru Gobind Singh Ji affirmed the direct connection between Sikhs and the Divine
14 Yom HaShoah Jewish: Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day (begins at sundown evening prior)
21 First Day of Ridván Bahá’í: Celebrates the day Bahá’u’lláh arrived at the Garden of Ridván.
21 Yom HaZikaron Jewish: Israeli Memorial Day (begins at sundown evening prior)
22 Yom Ha’atzmaut Jewish: Israeli Independence Day (begins at sundown evening prior)
29 Ninth Day of Ridván Bahá’í: Celebrates the day Bahá’u’lláh declared the Mission and Purpose of the Bahá’í Faith.
1 Beltane Wiccan/Neo-pagan: Midpoint between equinox and solstice, embracing Earth’s peak fertility and the joyful elevated energy of early summer
2 12th Day of Ridván Bahá’í: Commemorate the day Bahá’u’lláh departed from the Garden of Ridván and continued His exile
5 Lag B’Omer Jewish: Celebrates the 33rd day of the Omer, a 49-day period between Pesach and Shavuot (begins at sundown evening prior)
14 Ascension of the Lord Christian: Festival marking the bodily ascension of Jesus into Heaven.
22-23 Shavuot Jewish: Festival of Weeks receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai (begins at sundown evening prior)
24 Pentecost Christian: Celebration of the descent of Holy Spirit upon followers of Christ
26 Day of Arafat* Islam: Day of assembly on the plain of Arafah in Hajj. Optional day of fasting for nonpilgrims
27 Eid al Adha* Islam: Celebration honoring the spiritual sacrifice of his son by prophet Abraham
29 Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh Bahá’í: Commemoration of the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í faith
31 Trinity Sunday Christian: Honors the belief in one God with a threefold nature
31 Pentecost Orthodox Christian: Celebration of the descent of Holy Spirit upon followers of Christ
31 Declaration of the Báb Bahá’í: Celebration of the day when the Báb announced He was “the bearer of a Divine Revelation which would prepare humanity for the advent of the Promised One of all religions.”
16 Al-Hijra New Year* Islam: The first day of the Islamic New Year or the Hijri New Year. The epoch of the Islamic era was set as the year of emigration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, known as Hijrah, which equates to 622 C.E.
19 Juneteenth: Commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, when those enslaved in Texas were notified of their liberty.
21 Litha Wiccan/Neo-Pagan: Summer solstice, summer is at its height and the sun shines the longest. Celebration of the life-giving power of the sun.
25 Day of Ashura* Islam: Commemoration of Prophet Moses delivering his people from Pharaoh (a day of optional fasting accompanied with a day of fasting before and/or after) and of trials endured by leaders among Prophet Muhammad’s family.
2 Fast of Tammuz Jewish: Fast commemorating breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple (begins at dawn and ends at nightfall)
9 Martyrdom of the Báb Bahá’í: The Báb, forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, was publicly executed for announcing the nearing arrival of the Promised One and the prophesied dawn of a new day
23 Tisha B’Av Jewish: Day of fasting and mourning for tragedies across Jewish history, most particularly the destruction and loss of the first and second Temple and Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago (begins sundown the evening before).
